Greetings PTA leader,

As we enter another election season and the start of Texas’ 89th legislative session, it's important to reflect on our long history of building strong relationships and fostering respectful discussions to advocate effectively.

In this season, we have a unique opportunity to honor those who came before us by continuing their legacy of civil discourse and collaboration among parents, teachers, and students. Here are a few simple ways PTAs can do this important work:

By taking these steps, PTAs can make civil discourse the norm, helping students and families engage constructively in their communities.

Thank you for continuing our legacy of effective advocacy!

With Election Day about a month away, national and state campaigns are heating up. With only half of the 31 member Texas Senate up for election, and only one seriously contested senate seat in play, the makeup of the Senate will not change much. With all 150 members up for election, the House of Representatives could change substantially depending on election results. Already, there will be 35 new members of the House based on retirements and some incumbents being defeated in the primaries.

VOTE!!! Important Dates to Support Public Education

Most of the House and Senate committees have now conducted their hearings on interim charges to be studied before the start of the 89th legislative session. September 18th was a busy day at the Capitol as three committees held hearings on education and children’s health issues.

The Senate Education Committee held a hearing to take testimony on the issues of reading and math readiness; development and phase-in of the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) test redesign; and how public schools spent federal pandemic funds. The committee also monitored the implementation of recent legislation on public school safety; public school library procurement and content policies; and high-quality instructional materials for public schools.

The House Committee on Select on Youth Health & Safety heard testimony on the implementation of HB 3, last session’s public school safety bill. Representatives of the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the Texas School Safety Center spoke about the development of safety and security requirements and the delivery of safety-related resources.

The Senate Health and Human Services Committee met to hear invited and public testimony on the interim charge of children’s mental health. Dr. David Lakey of the Texas Child Mental Health Care Consortium testified about initiatives to develop the workforce and provide services to children in schools. Consultations with academic psychiatrists or psychologists occur within an average of less than 5 minutes after a pediatrician's call, with parental consent obtained before services are provided. Coordination of services for children in local communities is a key aspect of the Consortium's work. The top reasons for referrals to the Consortium include anxiety, depression, and anger. Student services have increased over the past three years, with over 44,000 children receiving services in almost 200,000 sessions. Parent surveys are conducted to gauge satisfaction and improvement in children receiving care. Parents overwhelmingly report improvements. The focus remains on understanding youth depression and suicide in Texas, particularly in children who have experienced trauma.

During the summer 5 Republicans and one Democrat announced that they would challenge House Speaker Dade Phelan. Recently, a reported 48 Republicans voted among themselves to support Rep. David Cook of Mansfield for speaker in the 89th Session. It takes a majority of 76 votes to win the speaker’s gavel. Republicans in the House control enough seats to elect a speaker without any Democrats’ votes, but it remains to be seen if they can unite on one candidate. Also, the coming elections could change the partisan make-up of the House, but most likely with Republicans still holding the majority. Why is it important who is Speaker? Once the legislative session begins, the Speaker holds influential power, including the appointment of committee chairs and members, and controlling the legislative agenda. A new speaker is elected by the members of the House on the opening day of the session in January.

In a little over a month, Texas legislators can begin filing bills in advance of the 89th Session, which starts on January 14, 2025. Monday, November 11th will be the first day legislators may “pre-file” their legislation with the House or Senate Clerk. Typically, hundreds of bills will be filed on that day. Texas PTA will track bills that affect public education, including these broad categories: Supporting Student Success, Health and Safety, Meaningful Assessment and Accountability, and Strengthening Public Schools.

This month, our "Advocacy Starts at Home" series continues, celebrating PTA leaders across Texas and their vital contributions to our communities. As you read their stories, consider your own advocacy efforts and share your story—it may inspire others.

The McKinney ISD Council of PTAs recently hosted "The Fight to Save Our Schools," a forum moderated by Nancy Humphrey, President of the Plano ISD Board of Trustees. The event featured Representative Glenn Rogers, Senator Nathan Johnson, Max Rombado from Raise Your Hand Texas, and former Granbury School Board Trustee Chris Tackett. They discussed the impact of Educational Savings Accounts (ESAs) and vouchers on Texas public schools, emphasizing the importance of local involvement in legislative issues.

Stephanie O'Dell, McKinney ISD Council of PTAs Advocacy Chair, highlighted the importance of community education on these policies. Representative Rogers warned of the dangers of ESAs, calling them the "Endanger Schools Act," and Senator Johnson criticized the idea of applying market competition to children's education. Max Rombado noted Texas’ low ranking in per-pupil funding, stressing the need for more support for public schools.

McKinney ISD PTA President Angie Bado urged PTAs and community groups to raise awareness about vouchers and their effects on public school funding. By hosting events and engaging legislators, the McKinney ISD Council of PTAs is leading the way in grassroots advocacy, educating the public and empowering communities to stand up for public education.

Rachael Abell
Texas PTA VP Advocacy

PTA leaders across Texas each bring their distinct personalities and approaches to their roles. Whether assertive, cooperative, compassionate, or strategic, they all share a common commitment: to act in the best interest of children. Advocacy takes many forms, but the dedication to supporting our students and schools is a universal thread that unites all our PTA leaders.

Reflect on the advocacy work you are doing in your own community. Your story could inspire someone else to make a difference.

Share the big & small advocacy work you are doing with your family, at your school, or in your community.

Key Election Dates

2/24/25 Rally Day 25!

Texas PTA has partnered with PAW Patrol Live!
"A Mighty Adventure" to bring exclusive offers to PTA members, including a membership drive at the arena!

Learn More!